Berkshire County Highlights for Families:

January 2017

“I like the ability to see what is happening in the area. We have experienced many different and delightful events that I would not known of if I did not know about the [Hilltown Families] eNewsletter.” – Kathy Couch (East Otis, MA)

Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of January. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week. Do you have an event you’d like to include in this list? Email us at info@hilltownfamilies.org.

To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday!

There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, storyhours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.

Berkshire Family Fun, a project of Hilltown Families, is sponsored in part by MASS MoCA:

Berkshire Family Fun is also supported in part by a grant from the Pittsfield, Sandisfield, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

North Berkshire

Both children and adults can benefit greatly from mentor relationships, and Childcare of the Berkshires’ Youth Mentoring Program offers mentor opportunities to local community members! Youth participants ages 8-14 can be matched with adult mentors to build relationships, learn new skills, and develop interests – all in a supportive and fun environment!

Saturday, January 14, 10:30amLITERACY
Reading aloud is an essential step in the process of learning to read. This can be somewhat stressful for children who feel self-conscious about mistakes. Libraries across America have been enlisting therapy dogs as nonjudgmental listeners for children learning to read. Children of all ages are invited to bring a favorite book from home or choose one from the library and spend a short time reading to a certified therapy dog at the North Adams Public Library. 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Monday, January 16, 12:30pmMARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
One way to teach your kids about the legacy of Martin Luther King Junior is to encourage their participation in community service tasks. People of all ages are invited to MCLA’s Church Street Center to engage in service tasks such as painting, cleaning, organizing, building, winterizing, simple sewing, or making kits. The free luncheon and celebration begins at 12:30pm. Registration begins at 8:30am along with coffee and pastries. For more information call 413-664-4006 or visit the Northern Berkshire Community Action Coalition website. Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Friday, January 20, 10:30am-11:30amPARENTING/CREATIVE FREE PLAY
Simple toys such as blocks help kids build fine motor skills and their understanding of cause and effect, through creative free play. Parents can bring their children between the ages of three months to five years old, to the Family Center to play with balls, blocks, beads, and books! Parents will fill out an “Ages and Stages” questionnaire about their child’s development with the help of professional staff, while their children play. Please call The Family Center at 413-664-4821 to register. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Monday, January 30, 5:30pm-6:30pmCOMMUNITY MEAL/PARENTING
Why should moms have all the fun? At Dad and Me Playtime and Pizza at the Family Center of Northern Berkshire County, fathers can bond with their kids and each other over pizza and activities. Kids will enjoy active playtime, songs and a story. 413-664-4821. Haskins Center Gym, 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Tuesday, January 31, 5pm-7pmLITERACY/WRITING
Does your teen like to write? Creative writing can help us process emotions and express our opinions. Your teen can gain inspiration and meet fellow young writers at a showcase of writing. This group of Northern Berkshire teens meet each week to work on their fiction and poetry. Check out the next generation of writers.They will be reading some of their favorite pieces at the MCLA Gallery 51. 51 Main Street. All are welcome. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 8, 10am-5pmART STUDIES/TEA
Woodblock carving is a method of printing which preceded movable type and the printing press. The artistic technique of Japanese woodblock printing is explored in the current Clark exhibition, Japanese Impressions: Color Woodblock Prints from the Rodbell Family Collection. You can attend this Free Sunday program at the Clark Art Institute to view the exhibition, and engage in activities to learn about the cultural importance of tea ceremonies to Japanese identity and culture. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, January 14, 10amART/CREATIVE FREE PLAY
Pablo Picasso believed that: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist.” Whether your child is the world’s next Picasso or not, arts and crafts are a fun and relaxing way to engage their creative side. With the growing popularity of adult coloring books, parents should feel encouraged to join in the fun. Three to six-year-old and their parents are invited to the Clark Art Institute for a gallery talk and art-making activities designed specifically for this age group. Wear art-appropriate clothing. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 15. 1pm-3:30pmART STUDIES/MUSIC STUDIES
Playing music is a physical as well as mental which encourages careful listening and focus. Reading musical scores requires you to train your brain to recognize patterns and decode information. You can get your children started exploring sound, building instruments, and creating music at the Clark Art Institute’s Music Day. In conjunction with I/O Fest this day of musical exploration will also feature performances brought to you by the Williams College Department of Music. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (Adults $; Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID FREE)

Tuesday, January 17, 2pmART STUDIES/PHOTOGRAPHY
Join Kristen Oehlrich, assistant director of the Clark Art Institute’s Research and Academic Program, for a talk focusing on the work of female photographers Julia Margaret Cameron, Anna Atkins, and Gertrude Käsebier, whose work is featured in the special exhibition Photography and Discovery. Photography and Discovery, on view through February 5, is the first extensive exhibition of the Clark’s collection of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century photography. For more information, call 413 458 2303. The gallery talk is free with paid admission. 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. (Adults $; Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID FREE)

Thursday, January 19, 11amYOGA
Hatha yoga is an ancient, meditative exercise which has been practiced since the 11th century. People gravitate toward the many benefits of yoga which include increased strength, flexibility, concentration, and relaxation. You can explore this beneficial practice by joining a four-part hatha yoga class, focused on loving kindness meditation, at the Clark Art Institute. Classes will be held on Thursdays from January 19 through February 9 at 11 am in the Michael Conforti Pavilion. Participants are invited welcome to attend all four classes or drop in on one. Register on the Clark website. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (Single Class $; Package $$)

Thursday, January 19, 12pmART STUDIES/JAPANESE ART
Now through April 2nd, you can learn about the art of Japanese woodblook printing at the Clark Art Institute’s exhibition, Japanese Impressions. Art lovers are also invited to take a closer look at an object from the Clark’s collection: Utagawa Hiroshige’s Plum Estate, Kameido from One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.Collector and donor Adele Rodbell will run this discussion. Tickets include admission to the galleries as well as a lunch. Register online or over the phone. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)

Sunday, January 22, 1:30pm-3:45pmFILM STUDIES/JAPANESE CULTURE
Most films are narratives, revealing facets of the culture which produced them. Screening foreign films can teach you about various cultures values, customs, humor, fashion, language and more. You can explore Japanese culture through art and film at the Clark Art Institute. The Clark is hosting a free Sunday afternoon film series beginning on January 22, continuing on February 5 and February 26. The first film shown, The Makioka Sisters is an unrated 1983 movie adaptation of Junichiro Tanizaki’s novel, which follows four sisters in the late 1930s. Learn about the turbulent changes of the 1930s in Japan. This film series is presented in conjunction with the Clark’s Japanese Impressions exhibition. All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 22, 10am-12pmANIMAL STUDIES/TRACKING
Get your kids interested in learning about habitat and ecology through an outdoor adventure tracking wildlife such as deer, rabbits, mice, fox and birds. Participants at this family friendly event will learn to become nature detectives, honing their observational skills as they interpret the information hidden in animal tracks. Naturalist and tracker Dan Yacobellis will run this guided walk. From 12:30 through 3:30 there will be a more in-depth tracking program for adults and children 8 years and older, to look for more elusive animals such as the fisher cat and bobcat. This program is weather dependent, please call to confirm that the program is being held in the event of inclement weather.Reservations are required and space is limited. Ramblewild. 844-472-6253. 110 Brodie Mountain Road. Williamstown, MA. (<$)

Friday, January 27, 7pmSTORYTELLING/ART STUDIES
Story slams connect strangers through the art of compelling narratives and oration. Story slams often invite professionals as well as amateur storytellers to relay their experiences. The Clark Art Institute invites you to tell and/or hear stories, centered around the theme of “gifts.” Storytellers are invited to tell the tales of gifts that enriched their lives, surprised them, or impacted them in some other meaningful way. A panel of judges will provide feedback and prizes. This event celebrates gifts the museum has received: sixty-three woodblock now on view in the exhibition Japanese Impressions: Color Woodblock Prints. Be sure to check out the exhibition in addition to attending the story slam! 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, January 28, 3pmART STUDIES/HISTORY
Hieronymus Bosch was a Dutch renaissance painter of the late 1400s. He painted at least sixteen triptychs, which are a type of art involving three panelled sections. Bosh is known for his detailed landscapes and religious symbolic imagery. You can learn more about his work by attending a screening of the documentary, The Curious World of Hieronymus Bosch at the Clark Art Institute. Tickets can be purchased on the Clark website or by calling 413 458 0524. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)

Sunday, January 29, 1:30pmFILM STUDIES/JAPANESE CULTURE
The 1953 film, Gate of Hell (rated PG), which depicts a romance between an imperial warrior and a married lady-in-waiting, won Academy Awards for best foreign film and best costume design. Find out what the critics admired at the film by screening it at the Clark Art Institute. This event is part of the series, “Colors of Japan: Cinematic Impressions,” providing local art fans with the chance to explore Japanese culture through a variety of Japanese films. The film series is occurring in conjunction with the exhibition Japanese Impressions: Color Woodblock Prints. Check out both the film and the exhibit for a crash course in Japanese artistic expression. All films are in Japanese with English subtitles. Additional films in the series include Kwaidan (February 5) and Equinox Flower (February 26). 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 1, 8am-4:30pmNORDIC SKI
With its roots lying in the snowy winters of Scandinavia, cross-country or “Nordic” skiing has been a competitive sport since as early as the 18th century. Distinctly different from downhill skiing in both structure and purpose, cross-country skiing utilizes much narrower skis and boots than downhill skiing does. Cross country skiers strive sometimes for speed, but aim more to cover great distances. Accessible to skiers of all ages and abilities, cross-country skiing is a favorite winter activity which allows families to get exercise while exploring beautiful landscapes. Start this winter and this year off by renewing or beginning this hobby at Notchview. For more information call The Trustees at 413-628-4485 x383 Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. ($ – $$$)

Sunday, January 8, 12pm-1pmSKIING & FIRST AID
Do your children like to ski? Skiers ages ten to fifteen are invited to expand their ski knowledge into areas related to ski patrol. Participants will learn first aid and CPR among other safety techniques, with members of Notchview’s National Ski Patrol. This eight week program will take place at Notchview on Sundays through February 26. For more information call The Trustees at 413-684-0148 or email notchview@thetrustees.org. 83 Old Route 9. Windsor, MA.

Saturday, January 21, 7pm-9pmGAMES/INTERGENERATIONAL
Family game nights are one way to get both parents and kids to put aside their work, and their screen-based entertainment, to spend time together. Simple games can challenge young kids to think critically, while harder games can challenge older children through friendly competition. Spice up your family game night by joining other families at Notchview. Notchview will provide classic games such as Battleship, Yahtzee, Boggle, Monopoly and Scrabble. Soup is included with the cost of a ticket. 83 Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. (<$)

Sunday, January 22, 10amECOLOGY/SNOWSHOE
Join naturalist guide and Tamarack Hollow Director Aimee Gelinas for a guided snowshoe hike and educational program. You will learn about forest ecology, gain winter tracking skills, and learn to identify native trees and plants. This crash course in nature education is suitable for teens and adults. Email aimee@gaiaroots.com to register.This event will take place at the Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center. 1515 Savoy Hollow Road. Windsor, MA. (DONATION)

Crane Museum of Papermaking — Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. The museum is open weekdays from 1-5pm. — 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. (FREE)

HINSDALE

LEE

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30pm-8pmPHOTOGRAPHY/PORTRAITURE
People have long been a popular subject for paintings. Since the invention of photography, photographic portraits have grown into a thriving industry all over the world. You can learn the basics of photographic portraits by attending a free, interactive seminar at the Lee Library. Photographer Thad Kubis will discuss technical decisions about lighting, depth of field, and selecting the correct focal length. He will also discuss techniques used for candid, studio, and street portraits. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)

Friday, January 13, 6:30pm-8pmORNITHOLOGY/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Take advantage of the long winter nights by learning to track nocturnal wildlife! Come to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy a moonlight guided walk to search for owls and other creatures. Participants will explore fields, forests, and wetlands and learn about various animals’ seasonal adaptation. There will be tea and hot chocolate after the walk. Snowshoes will be provided if the conditions warrant. Dress for the weather. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)

Saturday, January 14, 3:30pmHISTORY/TRANSPORTATION
In the late 1800s the motorcar caused a great disturbance in the rural way of life in Lenox. Cornelia Brooke Gilder, author of the forthcoming Edith Wharton’s Lenox will explore this entertaining story with you, followed by a Victorian tea. Ms. Gilder’s earlier works are Houses of the Berkshires (with Richard S. Jackson Jr.) and Hawthorne’s Lenox (with Julia Conklin Peters). Gilder and the late historian Joan Olshansky co-authored A History of Ventfort Hall. Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. For reservations call 413-637-3206. For more information, visit the Ventfort Hall website. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$).

Saturday, January 21, 9:30am-12:30amGUIDED HIKE/SNOWSHOE
Guided hikes combine nature studies education with exercise and time spent outdoors. On this guided hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain, you will gain tips for tracking wildlife and identifying trees by their bark. This knowledge will further enrich the time you spend on your own hikes. Bring snowshoes or microspikes, depending on the conditions. Snowshoes will be available to borrow for a fee. Ski poles are also recommended. Dress for cold. Bring water and a snack. Call 413-637-0320 for more information. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (Non members $; members <$)

Saturday, January 21, 3pmHISTORY
Historic house museums provide people with both historic objects and documents, as well as informational texts to put the objects in a personal context. Visiting a historic house museum can help you connect to history through imagining the daily lives of historic figures, and learning about history through tangible experience. Visit Ventfort Hall to learn about the impact “Irish Bridgets” have had on historic house museums, through a lecture. These Irish immigrant women worked as cooks, maids, and nannies in upper-class American homes. Scholar Dr. Margaret Lynch-Brennan will discuss her research on this demographic, and her new book, The Irish Bridget: Irish Immigrant Women in Domestic Service in America, 1840-1930. Reservations are recommended. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Saturday, January 28, 6pmTHEATER/PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Dinner, theatrics, comedy, mystery, and wine! You’ll get all of the above at “Don’t Wine If You Are Murdered!” a dinner theater performance at Ventfort Hall. Helena Handbasket invites you to her winetasting, where the audience will be called upon to help solve the mystery of who murdered world-famous Wine Connoisseur U. Paul McCork! The Comical Mystery Theater Tour ensemble has appeared at Ventfort Hall to sold-out audiences and has been performing for over two decades. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Saturday, January 7, 11amART STUDIES/STEM
Art intersects with science in many ways. Understanding pigment and the color wheel can lead kids to learning about the physical principles behind color, for example. Kids are invited to the Berkshire Museum to participate in fun art-making activities with a scientific component. During this session, kids will make Snow Dough. The program is included with regular Museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Route 7. Pittsfield, MA. ($; children under 18 <$; members, ages three and under FREE)

Saturday, January 7, 12:30pmHISTORY/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Saturday, January 7th is the 76th anniversary of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech. In this inspiring 1941 State of the Union Address, FDR outlined four fundamental freedoms which he believed everyone had a right to. These four freedoms are freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. All are invited to downtown Pittsfield to march and rally together around a commitment to these freedoms. Marching participants will meet in front of St. Joseph’s Church, then march down North Street to Park Square for an indoor rally of speeches. Speakers will include U.S. Senator Edward Markey, among many others. 414 North Street. Downtown. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Monday, January 16, 1:30pm-7pmFILM STUDIES/FRENCH
Viewing educational films is a great way to learn while being entertained. Foreign films can help you connect with a language and culture other than your own. The 2015 documentary, Seasons (not rated), follows travelers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud throughout Europe in search of brown bears, wild horses, wolves and other animals in their natural habitat. You can view this film, in French with English subtitles, at the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema. Learn about animals and earth science while brushing up on your French knowledge. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Route 7. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

Saturday, January 21, 2pmANIMAL STUDIES/REPTILES
There aren’t many rattlesnakes living in New England, or the northeastern United States in general. One species which does reside here, the timber rattlesnake, is unfortunately endangered. It is also one of North America’s most dangerous snakes, with long venomous fangs. Join Berkshire Community College Professor Tom Tyning at the Berkshire Athenaeum to learn more about this snake’s habits and habitat. No registration is required. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 29, 9:30am and 11amLITERACY/CRAFTS
Literacy is not just about pronunciation. Comprehension of written or read text also involves emotional awareness, inference, and problem solving. Two upcoming classes at The Colonial Theatre have been designed to address a range of literacy skills. In the 9:30am class, children will hear a reading of The Missing Mitten Mystery by Stephen Kellogg, and create a yarn snowman. At the 11am class, children will hear a reading of The Mitten by Jan Brett and create snow globe magnets. These programs are best suited for ages 3-5 (although toddlers through age 7 are welcome). To register email pittsfieldhappimess@gmail.com or call/text 413-822-7902 stating how many kids will be attending and what class. 111 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (parents free; children <$)

Tuesday, January 10, 5pmFILM STUDIES/FOOD CULTURE
Food is inextricably connected to local habitat as well as culture. Community members with an interest in both food and film may be interested in attending one or more of the Stockbridge Library’s food-themed film screenings. To kick off this series, the library will be showing the 2014 comedy Chef (Rated R). This movie tells the story of a head chef who quits his job to instead run his own food truck business while attempting to piece together his estranged family. The film won many awards including the AARP Movies for Grownups award for Best Comedy. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, January 11, 7pm-8:30pmPOLITICAL SCIENCE/ACTIVISM
How can we fight back against an inflammatory political climate? All are invited to The Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center to engage in a discussion on combating hate, building community, and protecting our neighbors. Understanding the concerns of our community members can help us as individuals to be more politically engaged and active. Call 413-931-5284 to register. 25 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

Wednesday, January 18, 7pmTHEATER/HISTORY
Many people are fascinated by the CIA, the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States, due to their work with classified information. You can learn about American history from the Cold war to Vietnam to the Middle East, through this local theatre performance. Travels with a Masked Man tells the story of the son of a CIA agent, and all the unanswered questions this child faces about his father’s work. This play, written and performed by John Hadden, is based on his book Conversations with a Masked Man: My Father, the CIA, and Me. In addition to exploring national and political themes, it is also the personal story of father and son. See it performed at Austen Riggs Theatre 37. For more information, call 413-931-5338. 37 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. ($)

South Berkshire

Saturday, January 14, 10am-2pmFARMERS’ MARKET
What kinds of vegetables can you buy fresh in the cold months? Find out by shopping and connecting with local farmers at Berkshire Grown’s Holiday Farmers’ Market! Bring along your children to teach them about the changing of the seasons through food. Local meats, cheeses, and vegetables will be available, as well as craft items. There will also be live music and activities for kids. 413-528-0041. Monument Valley Middle School. 313 Monument Valley Road. Great Barrington, MA. (MARKET/SALE)

Monday, January 16, 5pm-6pmCOMMUNITY MEAL
The Berkshire South Regional Community Center hosts a community supper prepared by some of the best chefs in the Berkshires every Monday. Join your neighbors and make new friends. Donations are accepted as well as contributions of non-perishable food items for local food banks encouraged. No reservations required. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

Monday, January 23, 5pm-6pmCOMMUNITY MEAL
The Berkshire South Regional Community Center hosts a community supper prepared by some of the best chefs in the Berkshires every Monday. Join your neighbors and make new friends. Donations are accepted as well as contributions of non-perishable food items for local food banks encouraged. No reservations required. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

Sunday, January 1, 7am-8:30amGUIDED NATURE HIKE
Want to catch the first sunrise of the year? Get up early and welcome the new year with a sunrise hike. Participants will meet at the Bartholomew’s Cobble visitors’ center for coffee before the hike. This event is weather dependent and you must register. For more information please call 413-298-3239 ex 3013. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members FREE; Non members <$)

Sunday, January 1, 10am-3pmOUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Did you know that you can rent snowshoes at the visitor’s center of Bartholomew’s Cobble? Snowshoes have been around for thousands of years, helping people travel more easily over snow. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them, and enjoy the beautiful trails draped in snow. Enjoy hot chocolate in the visitor’s center after your hike! Adult and child snowshoe sizes are available. For more information call 413-298-3239 x 3013. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)

Friday, January 6, 6:30pm-8pmOUTDOOR ADVENTURES/ORNITHOLOGY
How many species of owl can you name? Owls populate regions in all areas of the world except Antarctica and some remote islands. Chances are, you can spot some type of owl by traversing the woods where you live, if you know how and where to look. Bring your child to the visitor’s center at Bartholomew’s Cobble for a reading of the children’s book, Owl Moon, followed by a show and tell of owl facts. Next, participants will hit the trail and see if they can spot some owls in their habitat. Dress for the cold and bring flashlights. For more information please call 413-298-3239 ex 3013. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (<$)

Sunday, January 8, 2pm-4pmRECYCLING/PLACEMAKING
What do you do with your Christmas tree after the holiday? This year, getting rid of your Christmas tree can be cause for celebration. Unwanted Christmas trees will be used as firewood for a community bonfire at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Enjoy drinks and snacks around the fire pit while you put your old tree to good use. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013 for more information. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)

Friday, January 13, 6pm-9pmMUSIC STUDIES/FOLK
Folk music is a broad genre often involving acoustic stringed instruments. Many folk musicians have politically driven lyrics. Musicians of all ability levels are invited to bring their instruments and music they would like to share, to a round robin style folk circle at the Bushnell-Sage Library. Refreshments will be provided, as well as a copy of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. Meet other local musicians and get inspired to write songs! 413-229-7004. 48 S Main Street. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)

Friday, January 13, 7pm-9pmOUTDOOR ADVENTURES/SNOWSHOE
Following the cycles of the moon can connect you with other aspects of astronomy. Studying astronomy is a good way to spend more time outdoors at night and admire an important part of nature- the night sky. You can enjoy a full moon snowshoe hike at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Those who do not own snowshoes can rent them for a fee. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013 for more information. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)

Saturday, January 21, 1pm-4pmNATURE STUDIES/ART STUDIES
Keeping a nature journal combines nature studies with writing and artistic skills. If you enjoy journaling, drawing, or spending time in nature, come to Bartholomew’s Cobble for a nature journaling workshop. artist and writer Leslie Watkins will guide participants as they explore the woods of Bartholomew’s Cobble for inspiration. Writers and artists of all experience levels are welcome. For more information please call 413-298-3239 ex 3016. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Member $; Non member $$)

Saturday, January 28, 10am-12pmGUIDED NATURE HIKE/TRACKING
Do you like solving riddles, puzzles, or mysteries? You might enjoy tracking wildlife! Come to Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary for a two hour adventure outdoors and learn how to look for visual clues of animal behavior. This event is suitable for ages six and up. Time spent in nature is an opportunity to learn through observation, once you know what to look for. Dress warmly and in layers. Snowshoes will be provided if the conditions warrant. Registration is not required. Call 413-637-0320 for more information. Silver Street. Sheffield, MA. (<$)

Sunday, January 29, 6pmANIMAL STUDIES/CANIDS
You’ve heard of “canines,” a word which can be used to refer to man’s furry best friend, the domestic dog, or to refer to the sharp teeth we both have. “Canid” is a biological family of carnivorous mammals, including dogs, wolves, foxes and coyotes. Wildlife tracker Sue Morse will be teaching people about these species in her talk, “Wild Cousins of Our Best Friends: Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes.” Her talk will include photographs of her expeditions observing canid species in varied habitats, from the northeast United States, to the Arctic, to Canada. For more information, call Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) at 413-429-6416. The talk will take place at Mt. Everett High School. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)

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